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NBC News
10-06-2025
- NBC News
The best screen protectors to safeguard against cracks, drops and scratches, according to experts
I consider myself very kind to my gadgets — I take good care of them and don't needlessly throw them around or put them somewhere they'll get banged up. But even I drop my phone a couple of times a week. Every time I do, I worry I'll pick up my phone and find my screen cracked or scratched. But with my phone case and screen protector, I haven't had that happen in over a decade. Almost everyone on team NBC Select uses a phone case and screen protector — it's a simple tool that brings peace of mind and extra protection for our pricey gadgets. We spoke with tech repair experts to better understand the difference between screen protectors, and got their recommendations on the best ones to shop for. How we picked the best screen protectors We spoke with tech repair experts to better understand how screen protectors work and the differences between models. Combining their advice with our experience, we kept the following in mind when choosing our top picks: Material: We largely included screen protectors made from tempered glass, which has excellent scratch and fall resistance, according to our experts. Size availability: A screen protector is only useful if it fits over the entirety of your phone screen. Every screen protector we recommend is available in various sizes specific to individual phone models. Price: We selected products across a range of prices, ranging from less than $10 to $60. The best screen protectors of 2025 Our recommendations come directly from our experts or NBC Select staff, and are largely products with thousands of positive customer reviews online. Best overall Our experts recommend Spigen as a great brand for most people. Arthur Zilberman, president of laptop repair company Laptop MD, says this model is case-friendly, affordable and durable. It's also easy to install — it comes with an alignment tray that you place on top of your phone screen and press down on to secure the protector in place. You get two screen protectors with each purchase, in case you ever need to replace the first one. This screen protector is available for iPhone (linked above), Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices. Mac Frederick, the owner of Phone Repair Philly, recommends Zagg because it is a great value for the quality you get. The XTR4 version is the brand's strongest model, made with tempered glass that's reinforced with graphene, making it much stronger, according to the brand. It comes with an installation tray that helps align your phone and avoid air bubbles as you apply it. NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider has used a Zagg screen protector for years, and her phone is still in great condition. This screen protector is available for iPhone (linked above) and Samsung Galaxy devices, among others. For affordable durability, Frederick recommends Supershieldz tempered glass screen protectors. This one is a three pack of tempered glass screen protectors, each with rounded edges and a fingerprint-resistant coating, according to the brand. Supershieldz's tempered glass screen protectors are available for devices from Apple, Samsung, Google and LG. Another budget option Zilberman recommends Ailun as a budget screen protector brand. Similar to Supershieldz, this three-pack of screen protectors has a fingerprint-resistant coating, but it also comes with an installation frame in the box that should make applying the protectors easier. Ailun screen protectors are available for iPhone (linked above), Samsung and Google devices. This screen protector makes it harder for onlookers to see what is on your screen — it looks totally dark if you look at it from the sides. NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio has used it for years, and uses it to tackle work emails in crowded airports and on the subway without worry. It also offers great protection against the various hardwood and tiled floors Godio has dropped it on. As with any privacy protector, your screen's colors and brightness will be a bit faded compared to using a regular screen protector. Godio has it on her iPhone 14 Pro, but you can get it for other iPhone, Google and Samsung devices too. NBC Select associate SEO reporter Ashley Morris and NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin both use this screen protector — Malin for her iPhone 15 Pro and Morris for her iPhone 12. Morris has been using Otterbox's Premium Blue Light protectors for years and finds them very durable and easy to install. As someone who drops their phone a lot (as in multiple times a day), her protectors tend to get a bit banged up over time, so she also loves that Otterbox's warranty program lets her replace the protector for free (excluding shipping). How to shop for screen protectors When shopping for a screen protector, we recommend looking at features like material, comfort and ease of installation. Zilberman says that while you can get plenty of high-quality protectors at an affordable price, he doesn't recommend sacrificing performance for a cheaper option. Material: Screen protectors come in a variety of materials. There are plastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), as well as tempered glass (with some even boasting chemically strengthened, shatterproof glass, like Corning's Gorilla Glass protectors). Our experts agree that a quality tempered glass protector will be more effective at protecting your display than plastic protectors. Tempered glass is a stronger material because it can absorb the impact if your phone falls, in our experience — Godio has had her tempered glass case for over a year and dropped her phone countless times without a scratch. Comfort and feel: We touch our phone screens to use them, so the feel and responsiveness of a screen protector is important. Screen protectors can sometimes change a phone's touchscreen sensitivity — certain smartphone models ask you to input whether or not you're using a screen protector on the device to better calibrate sensitivity, says Zilberman. Tempered glass is designed to have a smoother feel than other screen protectors and won't affect touchscreen sensitivity much, according to experts. Display: Tempered glass mimics the original display and offers good clarity, whereas plastic screen protectors can create an unsightly glare and affect screen quality by adding a 'murkier and grayer hue to your screen,' says Zilberman. Both plastic and tempered glass protectors can have privacy and anti-glare filters to fit your preferences. However, tempered glass protectors are more physically noticeable on your screen since they're thicker — a plastic protector blends in remarkably well with the original display, according to our experts. Ease of installation: Installing a screen protector can be difficult, especially when there's a chance of misaligning the protector or having annoying air bubbles and specks of dust lodged underneath the film. Most screen protectors include a plastic installation tray that can go directly over your phone screen to align the protector or one that holds your phone while you guide the screen on. Some protectors will come with 'guide stickers' showing where the screen protector will lie on your screen. Compatibility: According to Frederick, there isn't much variation in how well a screen protector works from one smartphone brand to another. However, screen protectors come in different shapes and sizes depending on your phone, so it's always good to check its compatibility. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Arthur Zilberman is the president of tech repair company Laptop MD, and has been in the laptop repair business for over 20 years. Mac Frederick is the owner of Phone Repair Philly, located in Philadelphia, PA. Why trust NBC Select? Harry Rabinowitz is a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology and fitness including recent stories on smartwatches, headphones and cameras. Nishka Dhawan IP ratings, phone cases and best practices for cleaning tech. For this piece, Rabinowitz and Dhawan spoke with electronic repair experts to learn more about screen protectors and what to keep in mind when shopping for one. They also spoke with NBC Select staff about their experiences using screen protectors over the years.
Business Insider
14-05-2025
- Business Insider
The best Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge screen protectors
The best Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge screen protectors are made of durable tempered glass and come with a kit or tool for straightforward installation. Below, we've assembled a list of our favorite screen protector options based on our testing experience with brands like Zagg, JETech, and others. Among the best Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge screen protectors, our top pick is the Zagg Glass Elite Screen Protector, which features exceptionally durable tempered glass. JETech's screen protector package is a worthy budget option with two display films and camera lens protectors. When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more FAQs Does the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge need a screen protector? Though the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge's Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 display purportedly has the same strength and scratch resistance as the Galaxy S25 Ultra's Gorilla Armor 2 screen, not even the best Samsung phone screen is immune to damage. It's worth equipping the ultra-thin, expensive phone with a dependable screen protector and case for comprehensive protection. For top options, see our guide to the best Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge cases. What should I look for in a Galaxy S25 Edge screen protector? As with any of the best Android phones or best phones overall, several key aspects are worth considering when looking for a screen protector for the Galaxy S25 Edge. Primarily, you want to ensure that the display's image resolution is not affected and that an accidental drop or encounter with an errant key will not crack the glass. To that end, you should ensure the screen protector is durable tempered glass. While plastic screen protectors exist, they do not provide nearly the same level of protection as their tempered glass counterparts in our testing. Will a Galaxy S25 Plus screen protector fit the Galaxy S25 Edge? Screen protectors for the Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy S25 Edge are not cross-compatible due to their subtly different sizes. If you have a Galaxy S25 Plus, refer to our compilation of the best Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus screen protectors for further guidance.
Business Insider
14-05-2025
- Business Insider
The best Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge cases
The best Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge cases provide lasting protection in slim, lightweight forms that don't inhibit features like wireless charging. Below, we've compiled a collection of our favorite cases from our testing experience, with options from Samsung and third-party brands like Zagg, Otterbox, Spigen, and others. Our top pick among the best Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge cases is the Zagg Crystal Palace Lite case, a thin, durable, clear case that prevents use-related yellowing. Our favorite budget option is the Spigen Liquid Air case, with its minimalistic, matte-textured design and impact resistance. When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more FAQs Does the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge need a case? Like many of the best Android phones, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is remarkably sturdy in its titanium construction. However, none of the best phones are invincible when dropped or scratched, and it's worth equipping the expensive Galaxy S25 Edge with a dependable case to ensure long-term protection for your investment. What should I look for in a Galaxy S25 Edge case? As with any of the best Samsung phones, a couple of important factors should be considered when looking for a case for your brand-new Galaxy S25 Edge. You want to ensure the case is sturdy enough to protect the phone, meets your aesthetic preferences, and fits your budget. Since the Galaxy S25 Edge's value proposition lies in its novelty of thinness and lightness, a case for the phone should not add unnecessary weight. It's also important that the case does not interfere with any features you intend to use, like wireless charging. Will a Galaxy S25 Plus case fit the Galaxy S25 Edge? Though both phones have 6.7-inch displays, a case meant for the Galaxy S25 Plus will not fit the Galaxy S25 Edge, and vice versa, due to their differing dimensions. If you have a Galaxy S25 Plus, you can refer to our guide to the best Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus cases to help you figure out what works best for you.
CNN
06-03-2025
- CNN
The 5 best iPhone 16e cases we actually tested
The new iPhone 16e may be Apple's least-expensive phone right now, but $599 still ain't cheap. As such, you'll want to protect your investment with a case — and fortunately for you, there are a whole lot of them. From simple clear covers to ultra-rugged shells that look like they could survive an explosion (please don't actually test that theory), you've got plenty of options for putting that cash you saved on skipping the regular iPhone 16 towards some extra peace of mind. But which ones are actually worth it? To figure that out, I put nine different iPhone 16e cases to the test, factoring in things like durability, grippiness, comfort, ease of use and aesthetics; after all, no one wants an ugly case. Cases with built-in kickstands earned some extra points, as did ones with MagSafe support — a perk that makes up for the fact that Apple's new phone doesn't work with magnetic accessories on its own. After covering up my iPhone 16e with as many different shells as possible, here are the five that I would actually rock every day. UAG Essential Armor iPhone 16e Case The Essential Armor ticks a lot of key boxes for $40 — it's comfy to hold, its thick corners and 15-foot drop protection rating make me feel confident about carrying it around and its button covers felt nice and clicky as I adjusted my volume, locked the phone or fired up the action button. I also dig the translucent, honeycomb-like design that added a subtle pop of Cloud Blue to my plain black iPhone (you can also get it in Olive Drab, Ash, Rose or Black). And like nearly every other case I tested, this case sports a magnetic ring for use with MagSafe accessories like battery packs or wallets, something that solves one of my biggest issues with the iPhone 16e itself. Zagg Santa Cruz Snap In terms of sheer aesthetics and grip, Zagg's Santa Cruz Snap case just might be my favorite. Its translucent Retro Blue shell (it also comes in Hyacinth and Black) does a great job spicing up the iPhone 16e's vanilla design, and its textured sides gave me the most confident grip of any other case on this list. Its MagSafe support allowed me to plop my iPhone 16e onto my favorite charging stand, and you get a solid 13-foot drop protection rating in case of accidents. The almost-identical Crystal Palace Snap is a solid alternative if you want a totally colorless clear case, but it lacks the Santa Cruz's extra grip and fun colors. I just have one aesthetic nitpick: Zagg's iPhone 16e cases also work with the iPhone 13, 14 and 15, which makes them wonderfully versatile but also leaves a lot of awkward blank space around the camera bump when you have it on Apple's cheapest Silicone Case for iPhone 16e I spent most of my iPhone 16e review period with Apple's silicone case strapped to it, and I don't have a ton of complaints. The Winter Blue and Lake Green models I tested added a much-needed pop of color to my boring ol' black iPhone, and that soft silicone material just feels nice to hold. However, the lack of MagSafe is a pretty glaring omission here, and the case gets pretty smudgy fast (not to mention that Apple's silicone cases don't have the best reputation when it comes to long-term use). There's also no official drop test rating like you'll find on the other options I've tested. Still, if you're looking to spend less than $50 and are set on having an official Apple case, this is a perfectly fine place to start. Zagg Denali Snap With Kickstand Kickstand cases are a godsend for folks like me who will prop their phone up at a bar to watch basketball while ignoring their friends, and the Denali Snap has my favorite kickstand of any model I've tested. Its svelte pop-out stand is both sturdy and subtle, and works equally well whether you're catching up on vertical TikToks or laying your phone horizontally to binge on YouTube. It also has a nice textured rear grip, complete with 16 feet of drop protection and the usual MagSafe support for your snap-on chargers. This case feels a bit too slippery for my liking, and like the Santa Cruz, leaves some awkward extra space around the 16e's camera. But if having a hearty amount of protection and a reliable kickstand are priorities, the Denali Snap should be near the top of your Plasma XTE for iPhone 16e The UAG Plasma XTE is one of our favorite Galaxy S25 cases, and I love its iPhone 16e counterpart for all of the same reasons. It's easy to grip, has clicky buttons, sports a cool translucent design, comes MagSafe-ready for all of your wireless accessories and boasts a strong 20-foot drop protection rating for when things go south. But the real star of the show is the fold-out metal kickstand, which, while a little wobbly in horizontal mode, feels very durable and allows you to stand your iPhone 16e up at multiple angles. The Plasma XTE's high asking price won't be for everyone, but you get a lot of durability and functionality for the money. CNN Underscored thoroughly tests all the products we cover, and we provide full transparency about how these products are tested, so you know they'll meet your standards when they meet our requirements. Our skilled writers and editors have many years of testing experience and work that informs how they properly vet products and ensure each article is edited for accuracy and clarity. Senior tech editor Mike Andronico has been covering smartphones for more than a decade, and has been one of Underscored's primary iPhone reviewers since 2022.
WIRED
16-02-2025
- WIRED
Zagg's Pro Keys 2 Is a Cheaper iPad Keyboard Case but It's Too Thick
I'm constantly testing different iPad cases. When I'm done, I always return to the Logitech Combo Touch. With an adjustable kickstand and a detachable keyboard, it has everything I need. The Zagg Pro Keys 2 mimics many of the capabilities of the Logitech accessory but at a lower price, so I was excited to try it, thinking I may have found a new favorite. Sadly, it falls short. It's not completely identical to the Logitech case—it's a lot more protective, with a folio cover that doubles as a kickstand (with adjustable angles) and a detachable keyboard that sits in between. There's no trackpad—meaning I have to pack a mouse or constantly lift my finger to the screen—and the entire setup is heavy and clunky. At $150, it's one of the more affordable iPad Pro keyboard cases. But its flaws are annoying enough that the lower price might not matter. Protective but Chonky The Pro Keys 2 I'm testing is specifically built for the 13-inch iPad Pro (M4, 2024), though you can also buy it for the 11-inch iPad Pro (M4) as well as both the 13- and 11-inch iPad Air (M2). It consists of two pieces: the case and the keyboard. Click the keyboard into place using the magnets and you can use the iPad Pro like a laptop. The setup looks more modern than the first-generation Pro Keys, with square instead of round keycaps (which I prefer) and backlit—with the option to cycle between colors like green, blue, and red. There are lightbulbs under each key, so it's bright enough for typing in darker environments. But parts of the keyboard (like the side keys and function row keys) shine brighter than the QWERTY keys, so the lighting feels uneven. Adjusting the brightness with the backlight key didn't seem to make much of a difference. Zagg also added more surface area underneath the keyboard to rest your palms while typing. Photograph: Brenda Stolyar It's comfortable to type on for long periods (I used it to type this review), though a trackpad would have been the cherry on top, especially since there's plenty of room (the first-gen model has a trackpad version). Even though I've been using the case for a few weeks now, I still find myself accidentally reaching toward the middle to swipe an imaginary trackpad out of habit. The keyboard is Bluetooth-connected, so you'll have to pair it with the iPad (you can connect up to two devices) and charge it. Zagg claims up to one year of battery life, so you don't have to worry about constantly plugging it in. The second-generation version has a slot on the side for the Apple Pencil rather than a flap to keep it in place. It's a lot more aesthetically pleasing, but I wish Zagg would've color-matched it to the case. Instead, it's made of the same clear rubber as the bumpers around the iPad and looks cheap. The bumper runs underneath the slot too, but it won't get in the way of wireless charging. This case feels super protective, so much so that it feels like many of the rugged cases I've tested. In addition to the rubber edges, the rest of the case is made of plastic with a soft, matte feel. The folio cover can be folded back into a stand and adjusted at two angles. It was fine for watching TV (it was sturdy enough to stay upright on the couch without toppling over) and for use as a laptop. But it doesn't offer as many angles as a kickstand does.
